The three-day deadline arrived in the blink of an eye.
The atmosphere in the Hall of Yama today was exceptionally heavy and grim. The tall palace gates were fully open, but the number of Ghost Generals guarding the entrance had doubled. Each one possessed a deep, concentrated aura, their gazes sharp as falcons, scrutinizing every entrant.
Inside the hall, the Netherworld Ghost Fire burned more vigorously than usual, illuminating every corner as brightly as day, as if determined to expose everything hidden in the shadows. Ten black jade thrones, symbolizing the highest Authority of the Underworld, were arranged in a circle on the high platform at the far end of the hall. At this moment, seven of the thrones were occupied by figures: King Qinguang of the First Hall, King Chujiang of the Second Hall, King Songdi of the Third Hall, King Yama of the Fifth Hall, King Biancheng of the Sixth Hall, King Pingdeng of the Ninth Hall, and King Zhuanlun of the Tenth Hall. The seats for King Wuguan of the Fourth Hall, King Taishan of the Seventh Hall, and King Dushi of the Eighth Hall remained empty.
Below the high platform, along both sides of the hall, stood judges, scribes, Ghost Marshals, and other important officials from various divisions of the Underworld, ranked according to their seniority. They were densely packed, numbering in the hundreds. Lu Pan, wearing a crimson Judge's Robe, stood near the front of the queue for the First Hall's judges. His complexion still carried a trace of paleness from his severe injuries, but his eyes were as calm as still water, as if the thrilling assassination attempt from the previous night had never occurred.
His gaze swept across the high platform, seemingly without intention. King Qinguang sat expressionless in the center, possessing an imposing majesty without needing to exert force. King Chujiang’s face was ruddy, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips, though his eyes occasionally flickered toward the hall entrance with a hint of anticipation. King Songdi’s brow was tightly furrowed, his expression rigid and severe, as if dissatisfied with everything. King Zhuanlun, meanwhile, sat with his eyes closed, conserving his energy, appearing utterly unconcerned with the outside world.
An oppressive feeling, like the calm before a storm, permeated the air. Almost everyone present understood that the true focus of today's council meeting was not ordinary Reincarnation affairs or resource allocation, but rather the Northern Ghost Emperor, who had yet to arrive but whose presence was already causing undercurrents to surge throughout Fengdu, and the Proposal Document he was about to present.
“Dong—!”
A heavy bell toll rang out, signaling the official commencement of the council meeting. Silence instantly descended upon the hall.
King Qinguang slowly spoke, his voice like a great bronze bell echoing through the hall: “The council meeting begins. Yama Kings of the Ten Halls, presiding officials of all divisions, present your memorials.”
Following procedure, they first dealt with some backlog of routine matters: disputes over the spiritual energy quota for the Well of Reincarnation, boundary conflicts caused by the rerouting of a certain Yin River, and so on. Although there were arguments during the process, they remained within controllable limits and were quickly resolved.
However, everyone could sense that this was merely the quiet before the real tempest. The true undercurrents were surging powerfully beneath the calm surface.
As the time approached noon, an announcement finally came from outside the hall:
“His Majesty, the Northern Ghost Emperor, has arrived—!”
“His Majesty, the Eastern Ghost Emperor, has arrived—!”
“His Majesty, the Western Ghost Emperor, has arrived—!”
“His Majesty, the Southern Ghost Emperor, has arrived—!”
“His Majesty, the Central Ghost Emperor, has arrived—!”
Five immensely powerful auras, each distinct in style yet all capable of shaking the palace, descended upon the Hall of Yama like five towering sacred mountains!
Every judge and Ghost Marshal in the hall felt their breath catch and their Soul Bodies tremble. They all lowered their heads, daring not to look directly.
Five divine lights descended into the hall, transforming into five majestic figures. The one in the center was clad in a Profound Black cloak over dark gold battle armor. His features were handsome but carried an air of supreme dominance, and as his eyes opened and closed, faint visions of surging Blood Sea and wailing souls manifested—this was the Northern Ghost Emperor, Yongli! To his left stood the Eastern Ghost Emperor, dressed in a green robe, with a refined face and an aura of gentle detachment. To his right was an old woman in a white robe, holding a peach wood staff, her gaze kind yet profound—the Southern Ghost Emperor. Flanking them were the Western Ghost Emperor, whose physique was as sturdy as an iron tower and whose Baleful Qi was intimidating, and the Central Ghost Emperor, dressed in earth-yellow robes, with a simple and honest face, yet possessing the most stable and profound aura.
The Five Ghost Emperors had arrived together! This was a spectacle rarely seen in a century! It also underscored the immense importance of today's agenda.
“Welcome, Your Majesties. We apologize for not greeting you further out,” King Qinguang rose and nodded slightly on behalf of the Ten Yama Kings. The Five Ghost Emperors held a transcendent status, theoretically equal to the Ten Yama Kings, and perhaps even holding greater Authority due to their roles guarding the four cardinal directions.
“King Qinguang is too kind,” the Northern Ghost Emperor Yongli laughed loudly, his voice shaking the hall. His gaze swept over the Ten Yama Kings on the high platform, pausing momentarily on the three empty thrones, a subtle curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. “Today’s Ten Halls Council Meeting concerns the future structure of the Underworld. As guardians of the four directions, how could we not attend to discuss it?”
His tone of dominance was completely undisguised.
After a brief exchange of courtesies, the Northern Ghost Emperor moved directly to the main point: “I have come today to present a major Proposal Document concerning the future development of the Underworld, which requires the joint deliberation of the Ten Halls.”
He waved his hand, and a Jade Slip exuding dense Blood Fiend Qi flew toward King Qinguang. “In recent years, the proliferation of Nether Beasts and hidden Rebels in the Sea of Blood has severely threatened the peace of the Underworld’s borders and has repeatedly led to raids on our resources! However, the Sea of Blood is vast and the environment harsh. Conventional extermination yields minimal results while draining military strength and resources!”
His voice was impassioned, carrying an undeniable persuasive force: “Therefore, I propose that the Northern Border Army take the lead, uniting with willing parties from the four directions, to formally establish the ‘Blood Sea Hunting Ground’! Permanent fortresses will be built on the edge of the Sea of Blood. On one hand, we will eliminate Nether Beasts and Rebels, training and strengthening our forces; on the other hand, the Sea of Blood contains countless rare mineral veins, exotic treasures, and powerful Nether Beast Soul Cores. If these can be rationally mined and hunted, they will greatly supplement the Underworld’s increasingly strained resources! This is a strategy that yields multiple benefits and secures prosperity for ages to come!”
The contents of the Proposal Document were instantly transmitted into the minds of every attendee via Soul Power. The Jade Slip not only detailed the necessity of establishing the Hunting Ground but also included detailed construction plans, resource allocation schemes （ naturally led primarily by the Northern Border Army ）, and... a set of "cooperation" terms that appeared generous but were subtly fraught with hidden complexities.
A wave of suppressed discussion immediately rippled through the hall.
Supporters argued that what the Northern Ghost Emperor said was true; the Sea of Blood problem was indeed worsening. If they could use this opportunity to bring it under management and acquire resources, it would indeed be a good thing. Especially some judges and Ghost Marshals closely aligned with the Northern Ghost Emperor voiced their agreement.
Opponents, however, were deeply worried. Leadership by the Northern Border Army meant the Northern Ghost Emperor’s influence would expand significantly through this venture, allowing them to penetrate the lawless region of the Sea of Blood. At that point, his power would become too entrenched to control, severely threatening the authority of the Ten Yama Kings and the Balance of power within the Underworld. Furthermore, the complex environment of the Sea of Blood meant that rashly venturing deep could invite unforeseen consequences.
King Chujiang spoke first, his voice ringing out clearly: “Regarding His Majesty Yongli’s proposal, I believe it holds great promise! The chronic ailment of the Sea of Blood has plagued the Underworld for ages. If we can eradicate it using this excellent opportunity, it will be a great achievement! As for the Northern Border Army taking the lead, that is only natural. The Northern Border Army’s combat strength surpasses the rest of the Underworld, and they possess rich experience—who else could be entrusted with this task?”
He clearly declared his support.
Immediately following, King Songdi’s rigid and serious voice sounded: “I believe this is inappropriate! The Sea of Blood is a Dangerous Land formed by Heaven and Earth, possessing its own rules of operation. Rashly sending a large army in to establish fortresses risks shattering the Balance and inviting greater disaster! Moreover, resource extraction involves too many parties; how can one faction monopolize the leadership? It should be managed jointly by the Ten Halls after detailed consultation!”
“King Songdi, your words are mistaken!” A Ghost Marshal under the Northern Ghost Emperor could not help but retort, “Joint management by the Ten Halls? Inefficient, full of buck-passing, when will anything ever get done? The pressure on the Northern Territory is immense now; how can we afford further delays?”
“Insolence! When did it become your place, a mere Ghost Marshal, to interject here!” King Qinguang snorted coldly, a wave of pressure washing over the Ghost Marshal, who instantly turned pale and fell silent, intimidated into submission.
But the prelude to the dispute had already begun. On the high platform, among the Yama Kings; below, among the various division officials—voices of support and opposition rose and fell in succession, and the debate grew increasingly fierce. The entire Hall of Yama seemed to have transformed into a noisy marketplace.
The Northern Ghost Emperor Yongli stood with his hands behind his back, a smile on his face, seemingly enjoying the turmoil he had stirred up. His gaze occasionally swept over the silent Lu Pan, carrying a hint of condescending scrutiny.
Lu Pan watched coldly from the sidelines, sneering internally. This so-called Proposal Document was nothing more than a fig leaf for the Northern Ghost Emperor to expand his power. He had to step forward; he had to voice a dissenting opinion in this highest hall of deliberation, even if he stood alone!
Just as the debate reached its boiling point, and King Qinguang’s brow furrowed tighter as he prepared to forcibly suppress the arguments and call for a vote—
Lu Pan took a deep breath, stepped out from the ranks, and bowed deeply toward the high platform and the Five Ghost Emperors. His clear voice, like a jade chime, instantly drowned out all the noise:
“Your servant, Lu Zhiyuan, Judge of the First Hall, has a memorial to present!”
In that instant, the entire Hall of Yama, every single person’s gaze, snapped to focus squarely upon him!